Crystal River current., 1887-04-02
MR.. JOSEPH CHHBLUD.


From the London Truth.
Mr.. Chilblud-Mr. Joseph Chilblud
you will understand, not John, the
happy, good-hearted me- er-do- well-en-
tered the breakfast-room on a chilly
Autumnal morning, and glanced criti-
cally at the table laid for the morning
meal. Yes, it was arranged as it
should be and as Mr.. Chilblud always
expected to find it-spotless cloth and
china, the coffee-urn bubbling and
steaming, the little silver spirit-stove
boiling the water ready to re-
ceive the eggs, napkins properly
folded, and finally the newspa-
per, ready cut and aired and
spread across the arm of his easy
chair. Everything being satisfactory,
Mr.. Chilblud crossed over to the fire,
and his position on the hearth-rug
causing him to front mirror, he
naturally glanced at his reflection
therein. A long, broad face, with very
neatly trimmed whiskers, no nous
tache to hide the wide, thin lips, light,
penetrating eyes, an aquiline nose,
and carefully brushed dark hair, form
ed tout ensemble which, to one per-
son at least, was altogether pleasing,
and that person was Joseph
Chilblud. 1t may be said with
trIth thot NJ,
a very high opininon of himself,
both physically and morally, and it is
equally true that he had grounds for
doing SO. Born in somewhat hum
BILE position, he had, by steady perse-
verance and determination, raised
himself gradually until he held at the
age of 42, the post of inspector of eie-
mentary schools. with salary of be.
tween f4OO aud $500 per annum.
Ana from boyhood to manhood his
Lille had been exemplary, no tempta-
tions having had power to move
him from the paths OF virtue.
Whether this was due to the
GOODNESS OF his disposition or to the
severe and extreme rectitude of his
conduct, it is hard to say, but certain
it is that Mr.. Joseph Chilblud of 10
Propriety Square was deemed a pat
tern in the squadruple character OF
husband, father, house holder and in.
spector. His marriage, too, has been
perfect as stroke OF business and a
proof OF good taste. For the lady
whom he honored with his hand was
pretty, rich and good-tempered; and
moreover she retained after seven
years OF matrimony the same respect
for her husband and awe of his stu
pendous talents that she had carried
in her Huttering little heart to the
altar.
Mr.. Chilblud was on the point OF
opening his watch when Mrs. Chilblud
entered the room. He replaced it in
his pocket and took his seat at the
table, while his scrutinizing eye invol-
unfairly turned to survey his wife's
gown. Observing that it was in her
usual correct taste, he gravely depos.
tied the eggs in the boiling water and
placed his watch on the table to mark
the time.
"Joseph," said Mrs. Chilblud, while
the meal was proceeding, II wish you
would look at Ethel before you 90
out; she seems a triffe feverish."
II suppose she has been running and
overheating herself again." said the
gen ntleman in a voice which was nat.
ural concomitant of his whole person
clear, cold and searching. 81 told
Sarah that for the next offense of the
sort she would receive her dismissal;
the children must not be permitted to
overtire themselves with exercise"
mo; it is not that; l am afraid it is
EthePs own fault. She will try to
learn Arthur's lessons, though DR..
Sinclair, as you know, strictly forbade
her touching a book for another year
at least: He said: "Give her plenty
OF exercise and play, but no lessons
unit! she Is 5; and yet she knows the
whole alphabet, and can read little
words! Mrs. Chilblud's face was a
mixture OF dismay and maternal
pride in her child's capacity. II
DO you use your authority in the
my dear?"
81 endeavor to, but it is impossible |
70 tel! how or when she picks up her
knowledge. And she asks me such
etrange questions sometimes scarce
y know how to answer her."
Mr.. Chilblud pushed back his chair
and took up his former position on
ths hearthrug-only with his back to
The fire this time. A little frown -
5asiness marred the customary -.
Ithiey 81 bis aspect.
aaiasie5 ~ said, Atter . leoeth.